A Screaming Eagle: His Drawings. His Words

by Timothy Christenson

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2026

About the author

Timothy Christenson is the middle son of T/Sgt. Burton "Pat" Christenson, Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, the only man in the company who could draw. Second man out the door behind Dick Winters on the Normandy jump, Pat Christenson fought through Normandy, Holland, Bastogne and into Germany, then spent the next forty years at a drawing board turning what he had seen into forty-six finished combat drawings and seven volumes of handwritten memoir. Stephen Ambrose used his material while writing Band of Brothers and called the drawings almost priceless. Dick Winters kept eighteen of them in his personal file for fifty years.

Pat Christenson died in December 1999 without ever showing his work to the public. Before he died, his son promised him it would be published. A Screaming Eagle is that promise kept: his father's drawings and his own words, together, for the first time.

Timothy Christenson is a U.S. Army veteran and a retired law enforcement officer. He built and operated a chain of fitness centers across California over thirty-five years, and he still trains every day. His father, who finished Toccoa with the highest physical fitness score in Easy Company while carrying a twenty-eight pound machine gun, started him on it as a boy and he never stopped. He lives in San Diego.

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book on signed pre-order delivered straight from Pat’s son Tim. Fast shipping and crisp printing, good binding. I was so excited to thumb through the original drawings and read the stories from such a unique perspective. How often do you get this close to “witnessing” these events? Just about never. Highly recommend grabbing a copy for any Band of Brothers fan in your life. I got this as a gift for my father for Christmas who is a history buff and especially interested in this era. I think he’ll be very excited to receive it this Christmas, and doesn’t have a Goodreads account, so no spoilers for him! (To any of my family reading this: shhhh.) Thanks to the author for sharing a bit of his dad with us—I plan on sharing him with mine!

[Craig Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an excellent book documenting the memoirs, and art of T/Sgt Pat Christenson. Any fan of the TV series Band of Brothers that wants a deep dive into the real history of Easy Company 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment will love this. What makes this book even more remarkable is that it includes the artwork of T/Sgt Christenson that documents his days with Easy Company.

I can't recommend this book highly enough!

[Sean Lockhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains some amazing pieces of history it terms of one man's interpretation of what is happening in the world around him at a very unique time. By putting thoughts and events to paper, Technical Sergeant Christenson provides a sense of what was going through his mind as he drew these amazing sketches. By fulfilling the promise of getting his father's works published, we are the recipients of a great historical gift. Thanks to Tim for the determination of effort !!!

[Jennifer Kilgore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with amazing illustrations. Pat didn’t gloss over the horrors of war, so the drawings really hit you. I loved reading about his life before, during and after the war and I’m glad I found out about this book. Pat was one of the main sources for Ambrose’s book, which led to my favorite TV series of all time. Thank you, Pat! And to Tim, for this amazing read!

[Robert Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up WWII history was battles and generals (or admirals) but recently there have been more and more accounts from the average GI on the front lines. The story is more personal and engaging. This also includes hand drawings made from the recollection of Sgt Christenson which makes it even better. Highly recommend.

[Richard Schuchardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read. As a Band of Brothers fan this book was very enlightening as to Sargent Burton P. Christenson’s story. It filled in the gaps that the movie didn’t provide. The artwork captured the reality of his journey from Toccoa to Hitler’s eagles nest.

[Carly Templer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great read! I loved getting a more personal look at Pat Christenson’s experiences through his own words and drawings. It’s an emotional and fascinating perspective on the men and events of Band of Brothers. Highly recommend, especially for anyone interested in WWII history.

[J. B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book; T/Sgt. Christenson's art and stories are not forgotten. A must read for history buffs and fans of the original BoB book.

[Chris Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

May they never be forgotten. True stories from the greatest gemeration in one of the darkest times.